Lin, Fukuda on track for Phinma singles titles

MANILA, Philippines - Taiwanese Wei-De Lin and Japanese Shiori Fukuda carved out two victories in similar fashions to remain on track for a sweep of the Phinma International Juniors singles crowns at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center yesterday.

Lin recovered from an opening set struggle and swept Australian Brian Tran in the next two to complete a come-from-behind 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory in their semifinal round showdown in Week 2 of the event he dominated last week.

The top-seeded Lin broke Tran once in the second frame then imposed his will and strength in the decider to fashion out the win and stay on course for a sweep of the boys’ singles titles in the event sponsored by the Phinma Group of Companies and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.

He demolished Japanese Shohei Chikami in last week’s finals, 6-2, 6-0.

Fukuda survived a thrilling first-set duel, pulling off a 7-6(9) win before stamping her class in the next, 6-2, to advance to the girls’ singles finals for the second straight week.

She beat No. 5 Saya Ito of Japan, 6-3, 6-4, in last week’s finals of the tournament backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Dunlop Fort All Court Balls, Wilkins and Viva Mineral Water.

Out to foil the duo’s bid are Japanese Shoma Kato, who whisked off compatriot Naoto Kai, 6-4, 6-1, to clinch the other berth in the boys’ final, and Indonesian Rifanty Kahfinai, who defeated Ito, 6-3, 7-5.

Meanwhile, local ace Khim Iglupas, who reached the Week 2 quarters stage, teamed up with Roxanne Resma to oust the Japanese tandem of Yu Fujioka and Nanana Takeuchi, 6-1, 7-5, to barge into the finals of the girls’ doubles.

They will take on Week I champion Fukuda and Chihiro Muramatsu, who repulsed compatriots, Ayaka Higashi and Kimika Sakata, 4-6, 7-6(1) 10-2.